Over the last few weeks Home Secretary Theresa May has won a reputation as a tough talker. But it’s a step too far if, as it would appear, her special adviser has indulged in a tit-for-tat by putting her letter to Michael Gove on the Home Office website.

The Prime Minister, fearful of being weakened, has reprimanded both ministers.

But in Parliament yesterday Ms May was unrepentant, even to the point of appearing patronising, condescending and the fountain of everything that is good about this Government and even before it! By subtle means she sought to demonstrate that the Education Secretary had established a Counter Extremist Unit in his department while hinting that it had clearly failed to do the job.

By refusing to answer questions about who authorised publication of that letter attacking Mr Gove’s failures, and refusing to make an on-the-record apology, she reverted to the core of the disagreement within government.

Namely, that counter terrorism should be totally separate from preventing radicalisation, even though the ex-head of Counter Terrorism, Peter Clarke, is continuing an investigation in Birmingham on behalf of Mr Gove.

But at least we now appear to have a clear declaration of a curriculum for ALL schools that promote British values, along with an appreciation that all sides need to “cool it”.

The vast bulk of British citizens of the Muslim faith are as committed to opening minds, increasing understanding and embracing integration as everyone else.

Perhaps now this petty government squabbling can cease and united action to bring communities together can begin.